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Another amateur in need of advice

Hello all. I'm basically as green as they come, and am looking for some advice in putting together my first 2- channel audio system. Looking to keep it analog, with vinyl playback being the primary purpose of this whole escapade. If I feel compelled to stream something, i would just get a decent bluetooth receiver to appease the crowd of an informal get-together. 

I am looking to experience an "audiophile-grade" sound, but one that is also a giddy and involving listen. Some bass presence would be welcome (newb). In any case, I would prefer to keep the budget under $5k. First question - do I need an integrated amplifier? Can I just get an amplifier and connect the Lounge phono stage that I'm leaning towards? Or connect a CD player or radio tuner? Basically, does a power amp require a pre-amp, which it seems that an integrated provides? As far as integrated amps, I was first leaning towards the newer Rega Brio, but then I heard about the Rogue Sphinx V2. But then I read about all the noise issues with the Sphinx, which really turned me off from it. Noise issues would really steal the jam from my doughnut. The Heed Elixir seems to tick a lot of boxes, but it also seems that it really imparts it's own texture to the music. Maybe that's a good thing? A budgetary stretch - the Croft integrated looks pretty dang cool. If I only need an amplifier rather than an integrated for my purposes, any opinions on the Croft Series 7? 

As far as speakers, I'm as lost as the previous paragraph suggests. Right now leaning towards the Quad S-2, but was considering the KEF LS50 until I read that they sound best with a more powerful amp. Ditto for the Dynaudio Excite X14. And apparently the LS50s are rather bright sounding? Was not considering floor-standers until I found out that the Monitor Audio Silver 300s are pretty easy to drive. Every gosh-darn review I read only sends me deeper down the spiral of confusion and indecisiveness. 

My turntable choice is pretty set - the Mofi ultra deck with the better cartridge. Since it's $2200, it kind of eats up the budget considering the additional costs of cabling and, potentially, speaker stands. But it seems that it's the sort of component that I'll keep for life. 

I'd appreciate any words of guidance and wisdom! Have a good one! 
cleanshirt
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

The Belles Aria Integrated would be an excellent choice.

Also the Vandersteen Ici's are $1350 new.  There are considerable savings to be had in the used speaker market.

cleanshirt OP
9 posts
 
@david_ten Also, I most certainly did not mean to suggest that I was "looking down" on a receiver - just that I want all this stuff to bring out the best of each component. 

@chrshanl37 Looking into the Aria. Seems pretty amazing, but definitely more than I had originally intended to spend on an amp. Skews my budget priorities for sure. 

cleanshirt OP
9 posts
 
Damn, that Aria is enticing. But, then the Mofi ultra deck... couple bucks left for speakers. 

@twoleftears I looked at those vandersteens - i think i'm looking for something a bit more conventional for my first setup. Thanks for the lead, though! 
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

"At this point what you will ’hear out there’ is not going to translate into the ’reality you hear’ in your room. I advise against doing so. At this stage, it’s a fool’s errand and will not serve you. Build your own reference point first, get to know it well, then go listen."

cleanshirt

That’s somewhat of a "catch 22". I agree that your room will sound different, however the "dartboard idea" is wrong and can be very costly. You absolutely need to get out and listen to some equipment, anywhere you can. Just remember that you’re not in the market to buy as it’s for experience and only a learning exercise. Then as you read reviews, hopefully you can understand better what is being said since you have listened to the product. That experience will allow you to build a better starting point. If you were buying your first car, would you make that decision using the "dartboard idea"?

uncledemp
778 posts
 
Tls49 speaks the truth. Take some time to listen while keeping your options open. 

$5000 can get you a nice setup or start you on a road to ‘if I just had this’. In my opinion, anyway.

For instance, buying used could extend your budget fifty percent or more on some items if you know what you want. But even then, you need to be careful to some extent.

You’ll learn from the guys on here if you take the time.

Best-
gary
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